How Much Does It Cost to Register a Business in DC? Washington D.C. LLC Formation Costs

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Initial Registration and Setup Fees

The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Washington D.C. is $99. This fee is paid to the Washington D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization. Use our free Form an LLC in Washington D.C. guide or a professional service: Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to do it yourself.

Filing Articles of Incorporation

To start a limited liability company in Washington DC, you need to file the Articles of Incorporation with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, which costs $220. You can apply online, in person, or by mail. The articles of incorporation legally create your DC LLC.

Obtaining an EIN

Learn the requirements to obtain an EIN by visiting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website or calling toll-free at 1-800-829-4933. You can apply for an EIN with no charge if you have a Social Security Number.

Washington DC LLC Filing Costs:

  • $200 – $500 for the Basic Business License Renewal.
  • $125 per year for a Registered Agent in Washington DC.
  • Taxes will vary; consult an accountant regarding your business.

All businesses in Washington D.C. must obtain a Basic Business License (BBL) after the EIN. This can be done online or in person.

Appointing a Registered Agent and Choosing a Business Name

Appoint a Registered Agent to receive legal and tax documents. The Agent must have a DC physical address and be available during business hours.

Select a unique business name for your company, search the State’s business name database for availability, and ensure it includes “LLC” at the end to comply with state requirements.

Licensing and Other Fees

A DC business license varies in price; costs average about $200. General contractor licenses cost around $300. Operating without required licensing leads to higher expenses.

The one-time LLC filing fee, including the Articles of Organization and the Home Occupation Permit, is $171.60. Licensing fees vary for each industry.

Bi-Annual Fees

No annual fees are required for an LLC in Washington DC. However, bi-annual fees of $300 are due every two years. The cost for registering a Washington D.C. foreign LLC is $220 by filing a Foreign Registration Statement (Form FN-1).

Steps to Forming an LLC

Six Steps to Forming an LLC for Free:

  1. Gather Information
  2. Business Name and Address
  3. Get Formation Document From the Secretary of State Website
  4. Get a Registered Agent
  5. Look at Other LLC Formation Options
  6. Fill Out and File the Formation Document

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